South Africa
Pandemic agreement ‘is a political test’ – Motsoaledi at G20─── CORNÉ GREYVENSTEIN 06:00 Wed, 11 Jun 2025
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has called for urgent political commitment to finalise a key component of the newly adopted Pandemic Agreement, described as a crucial test of global equity and solidarity.
Motsoaledi delivered a keynote address on Tuesday (10/6) during the opening of the 4th G20 Health Working Group meeting in Johannesburg, which will focus on Pandemic Preparedness.
“We gather at a truly historic juncture. Just last month, the world took a monumental step forward at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
“We witnessed the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, a landmark achievement for global health governance. This is only the second international health treaty to be adopted by the World Health Organisation since its inception in 1948, following the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“This underscores the gravity and significance of what we have accomplished together. The stark lessons of the Covid-19 crisis fueled our collective resolve to forge a more robust and equitable framework, one that ensures international cooperation and protects all nations from the devastating impact of future pandemics.
“As an active participant and representative member for the African region, I can say with certainty that we see this agreement as a crucial step towards rectifying the deep-seated imbalances in access to life-saving pandemic products that were so painfully exposed during the recent crisis,” he said.
The agreement, driven by lessons from the Covid-19 crisis, aims to strengthen international cooperation and protect all nations from future pandemics. It includes major breakthroughs that integrate human, animal, and environmental health.
At the heart of the agreement is the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, which would require pharmaceutical companies to reserve 20% of pandemic-related products – 10% as donations and 10% at affordable prices – in exchange for access to pathogen data.
“While we celebrate the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, our work is far from over. In fact, we are now entering a critical new phase.
“The detailed negotiations on the PABS system annexure will commence immediately through an Intergovernmental Working Group. The first meeting to elect the Bureau for this group must take place before the 15th of July, and it is rightly anticipated that the leadership will reflect a balance between the global north and the global south,” Motsoaledi said.
South Africa stressed that the outcome of these talks will determine whether the agreement delivers real-world impact or remains a statement of intent. Leaders are urged to overcome political and commercial barriers to deliver a robust and fair mechanism.
[WATCH] Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says SA is closely monitoring the new COVID-19 variant Nimbus/NB.1.8.1, linked to rising cases in Asia.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) June 10, 2025
NICD data shows very low SARS-CoV-2 activity in SA. Current vaccines remain effective. No new public health actions required. pic.twitter.com/qKG0fSa11U
Meanwhile, SA is closely monitoring a new Covid-19 variant (NB.1.8.1 Nimbus), recently identified in Asia. Although designated by the WHO as a Variant Under Monitoring, national data shows low SARS-CoV-2 activity, and no new public health measures are currently needed.
Updated vaccines remain effective, and the public is encouraged to continue basic hygiene practices.
South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to building a just, resilient, and inclusive global health system, urging G20 nations and global partners to act decisively in this new phase of pandemic preparedness.
